When you think of Queensland, you imagine sun, surfers, and coastline, right? Well, get this—there is so much more to the state than just the beaches. Yes, Queensland beaches are amazing, but if you head a few hours inland, you’ll find a region where it not only snows, but also produces amazing wine!
Snow and wine are two things not usually associated with Queensland, so I had to find out more. If you want to experience a different side of the sunny state, head to a region known as the Southern Downs and Granite Belt. It’s about a 2 ½ hour drive from Brisbane and the whole region is chock-full of amazing produce, wine, and food.
Is a road trip calling your name? If so, here are the best Granite Belt wineries to visit on a weekend away.
What Makes Granite Belt Wine Unique?
It’s said that Granite Belt wines are unlike anywhere else, but why?
The climate and soil of the Granite Belt are what make the wines so unique. Being one of the coolest climates in Queensland (literally—the town of Stanthorpe has a sculpture of a brass monkey in honour of the expression), means the latitude of the region produces ideal growing conditions for grapes.
The soil is special as well. The Granite Belt gets its name for a reason—there are huge granite rocks and stones everywhere, often precariously balanced. The fine granite soils make for bountiful harvests each year, for both produce and wine—the region is one of the largest produce suppliers for the eastern seaboard, so there’s a good chance the apples or fruits in your kitchen were lovingly grown in the Granite Belt.
Be sure to stop at some of the local produce stands and markets, stocking up on fresh fruits, jams, and homemade goodies to take home. I bought a few local jams that I can’t stop eating…how good is jam!
However, the Granite Belt isn’t content with just producing your run-of-the-mill chardonnays and merlots. They do make well-known wines, but the region’s true love is producing wines here that you won’t really find anywhere else in Australia. Known as the ‘strange birds’, these are wines that are alternative varieties—they represent no more than 1% of the total bearing vines in Australia as defined by Wine Australia.
They’re truly world-class and if you assume Queensland isn’t a wine-producing state, then you’re missing out on some of the best the country has to offer.
I discovered a few wines I’d literally never heard of, including Saperavi, Roussanne, and Sagrantino—just writing this is making me want to open a bottle!
Best Granite Belt Wineries
If you love wines and are looking for some new varieties to try, here are some of the best Granite Belt wineries to visit. A winery tour is one of the best things to do in the Granite Belt, as you’ll get to meet the winemakers, enjoy tastings, and dine at some of the region’s best restaurants.
These top wineries in Stanthorpe have had it tough—in 2019, the region was hit with devastating bushfires, followed by drought. While much-needed rains have been a godsend to the region, wine and produce production might vary, depending on when you visit and how the weather has been.
Ballandean Estate Wines
Don’t miss Ballandean Estate, especially if you’re hungry—it’s home to the Barrel Room restaurant, where you can literally eat surrounded by 160-year old wine barrels. It’s also Queensland’s oldest family-owned and operated winery.
I love that as soon as you walk in, it feels both nostalgic and welcoming—perhaps a nod to the owners’ Italian heritage, you really do feel like you’re back in the old country.
My top tip—if you’re dining at the restaurant, never pass up an opportunity to try the truffle mushroom soup! Rich, packed with flavour, smooth and creamy—yep, it’s that good.
Looking for more great wine in Australia? Check out Mudgee and the Southern Highlands, both in NSW.
Balancing Heart Vineyard
If you’re looking for a winery that’s architecturally stunning, there’s plenty to love about Balancing Heart Vineyard. Named after a large granite rock that appears to form a heart within the vineyard, this winery is all about scenic views, great wines, and a brand-new, purpose-built tasting room.
Balancing Heart Winery is headed up by Mike Hayes, 2017 Australian Winemaker of the Year. If you’re lucky enough to do a wine tasting with him, take notes—no one knows more about Queensland wines!
Stay into the evening and enjoy alfresco dining and wood fired pizzas—the three cheese is my fav, with gooey cheese melting in your mouth, straight out of the oven.
Girraween Estate Winery
Girraween Estate might be a smaller winery, but they’re tops when it comes to passion and enthusiasm for wine. Owners Steve and Lisa do just about everything themselves, on-site, from growing the grapes, harvesting, and wine production.
If you visit, they’re also happy to show you around the property and tell you more about how wine is made. I was lucky enough to visit on the same day as a big grape harvest, and the sweet smell of blue grapes, fresh off the vine, is something to remember.
Note, Balancing Heart and Girraween Estate are next-door, so it’s very easy to visit both on the same afternoon.
Castle Glen Australia
It’s safe to say there’s nowhere quite like Castle Glen! Owner Cedric built a literal castle in the Granite Belt, where he sells over 300 wines, liqueurs, beers, and spirits that are all made on-site.
Some of the product names might not be the most PC, but they’d make for a fun gift to bring to friends back home.
Where to Stay in the Granite Belt
There are plenty of great places to stay in the Granite Belt, but these are my top recommendations:
Girraween Environmental Lodge
Girraween Environmental Lodge is a luxury, remote property with ten chalets set in scenic bushland, with vaulted ceilings, skylights, and soaking tubs. They are serene and peaceful, with no phone or internet service in the chalets. You’re sure to wake up to the sight of kangaroos and it’s the perfect spot for a few days of relaxing with friends or family. Literally, there were kangaroos everywhere in the morning, bouncing across the property—I am always so excited to see ‘roos and wallabies!
You’re also located just outside Girraween National Park, so it’s ideal for bushwalking. There are also a few swimming pools on the property and lots of walking trails for spotting birds and wildlife.
Straw House B&B
For something out of the ordinary, check out the Straw House B&B, where you’ll be greeted not only by friendly owners Tony and Anna, but also goats, alpacas, and several very fluffy Highland cattle.
The accommodation is literally made from straw bale and stucco, which is pretty unique—plus, it works to keep the properties cooler in summer and warmer in winter. A tiny house is also being built, set to open later in 2021.
If you want to be near town, it’s one of the best places to stay in Stanthorpe. Oh, and don’t miss Anna’s homemade banana bread!
Know Before You Go:
- Domestic travel is booming in Australia at the moment. Accommodation is booking up fast everywhere, so plan far in advance if you want to visit on a weekend or school holiday. The best Stanthorpe wineries will be busy on weekends too.
- Be prepared for the weather! The Granite Belt is the coldest area of Queensland in winter, but can be very hot in the summer months too.
- If you don’t want to drive, consider hiring a tour company. I can recommend Allan from Granite Highlands Maxi Tours as he was our driver and guide when I visited, with luxury buses.
- Arrive on an empty stomach! The food, local produce, and delicacies in the Granite Belt are unbelievable.
- Public transport is limited in the Granite Belt, so you’ll find it easiest to drive, rent a car, or visit on a group tour.
- Remember how I said it snows (occasionally) in the region? If you can’t get enough of Christmas, any time of the year, don’t miss the Granite Belt Christmas Farm, where you can pet farm animals, sing carols, eat Christmas fudge, and cut your own Christmas tree.
Note, I visited the region as a guest of the Southern Downs and Granite Belt, but all opinions are my own.